Sustainability Report 2013-2014 MU Sustainability Report 2013/14
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Sustainability Report 2013-2014 MU Sustainability Report 2013/14 GRI Message from the President Index Dear readers and valued stakeholders, Sustainability and environmental protection are key principles of MODUL University Vienna, acknowledging and embracing G4-1 the urgent need for development strategies that meet the needs of the present without compromising the welfare of future generations. The importance of a strong focus on sustainability principles at MODUL University Vienna is stressed by the fact that the largest study programs at this university are focused on tourism, which is an industry particularly affected by today‘s social and environmental challenges. There is a compelling need for people working in this industry to address climate change and other negative impacts of increased mobility and globalization. Research and education for reducing carbon emissions through conservation, increased efficiency and renewable energy sources are therefore necessary prerequisites for the prosperous development of tourism. It is clear that universities have the responsibility of leading the way to a sustainable future. MODUL University Vienna recognises its role in shaping and moulding future G4-2 leaders as the most significant impact we have on the external world, due to the multiplicative and long-lasting effect of education. Given the difficulty, even impossibility, of envisioning what a truly sustainable world would look like, we view sustainability as a process of continuous improvement toward shared goals, rather than a defined end point. This holistic perspective forms an integral part of our curricula and research agenda and is also reflected in the daily work flow on campus. In addition, the university seeks to operate in a manner that minimizes environmental risks and adverse effects on the environment. This, our first Sustainability Report, demonstrates MODUL University Vienna’s commitment to disclosing our achievements as well as the challenges we face in this key aspect of our activities. It also demonstrates that everyone at MODUL University Vienna contributes to our collective efforts in the social, environmental and economic dimensions of sustainability, and I extend my gratitude to the entire MODUL community. I look forward to continually improving our policies, procedures and performance over the years to come. Sincerely, Karl Wöber President MODUL University Vienna - Am Kahlenberg 1, 1190 Vienna - Austria, +43 (1) 3203555 201 901, www.modul.ac.at Page | 1 MU Sustainability Report 2013/14 Contents Message from the President .............................................................................................................................. 1 Contents ............................................................................................................................................................. 2 Sustainability at MODUL University Vienna ...................................................................................................... 2 Organizational Profile .................................................................................................................................... 3 Sustainability Report Profile .......................................................................................................................... 7 Governance and Stakeholder Engagement ................................................................................................... 8 Ethics and Integrity ...................................................................................................................................... 11 Sustainability in Research and Education ........................................................................................................ 13 Student performance and appeals .............................................................................................................. 13 Scholarship of Hope ..................................................................................................................................... 14 Social Sustainability.......................................................................................................................................... 14 Workplace conditions and relations ............................................................................................................ 14 Policies and Communication ........................................................................................................................ 18 Environmental Sustainability ........................................................................................................................... 20 Energy .......................................................................................................................................................... 20 Water ........................................................................................................................................................... 20 Emissions ...................................................................................................................................................... 22 Waste ........................................................................................................................................................... 22 Transport ...................................................................................................................................................... 24 Materials ...................................................................................................................................................... 25 Economic Sustainability ................................................................................................................................... 25 GRI Content Index ............................................................................................................................................ 27 Sustainability at MODUL University Vienna MODUL University Vienna follows an integrated sustainability approach and therefore tries to balance the economic, the social and the environmental dimensions of sustainable development. Sustainability forms an integral part of the curriculum and research agenda, and is also reflected in the daily work flow. The university operates in a manner that minimizes environmental risk and adverse effects on the environment. This includes: meeting or exceeding environmental legislation and standards using energy efficiently conserving water preventing pollution minimizing waste using recycled materials whenever possible MU carefully selects its suppliers and contractors, ensuring that they show a similar commitment to social and environmental principles. Ongoing communication and training builds awareness of these principles among students, faculty, contractors and partners. The university is also committed to embracing social sustainability. Students are encouraged to develop the following traits: interpersonal skills, perseverance, originality, future-mindedness, high talent, aesthetic sensibility and wisdom. In addition to these individual traits, responsibility, nurture, altruism, civility, moderation, tolerance and work ethic are fostered amongst the university staff and students. MODUL University Vienna - Am Kahlenberg 1, 1190 Vienna - Austria, +43 (1) 3203555 201 901, www.modul.ac.at Page | 2 MU Sustainability Report 2013/14 GRI Index Organizational Profile In line with its mission statement, MODUL University Vienna’s main two activities are research and G4-3 education. Research is conducted in the fields of international management, economics, business G4-4 administration with a special focus on tourism and service management, new media technology, public governance and sustainable development. Educational services are provided to students at Bachelor-, Master-, MBA- and PhD-levels in the programs listed in the table below. G4-7 MU Vienna is wholly owned by the Viennese Chamber of Commerce, Wirtschaftskammer Wien. G4-5 The University has a single campus in which all operations and management functions take place. G4-6 The campus is located at Am Kahlenberg 1, 1190 Vienna. Research beneficiaries As well as contributing to scientific knowledge and creating value for society generally, specific G4-8 beneficiaries of research conducted at MU include the Viennese Chamber of Commerce, BMLUWF, ÖGNI, university administrators, financial intermediaries, Statistics Austria, and IT firms. Our students In 2013/14, educational services were provided to a total of 416 students from a wide range of G4-9 countries at undergraduate and graduate levels. During the reporting period, MU Vienna offered seven study programs, with students distributed according to the following table: Number of Percentage of total Program title Level enrolled students enrolled students BBA in Tourism and Hospitality G4-8 Undergraduate Management 316 75% BBA in Tourism, Hotel Undergraduate Management, and Operations BSc in International Undergraduate 41 10% Management MSc in International Tourism Graduate 10 3% Management MSc in Sust. Development, Graduate 24 6% Management and Policy MBA Professional 17 4% PhD in Social Science Post-graduate 8 2% Distribution of MODUL University students according to study program in 2013/14 In 2013/14, enrolled MU students originated from 63 countries. The highly international nature of the student body is instrumental given the thematic focus of the dominant study programs.